The Most Valuable Player of the recently concluded 5th Season of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), Justine “Balti” Baltazar, thanked Governor Dennis Pineda and Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo for the trust and support in his basketball career.
In an interview with the Pampanga Giant Lanterns player, who hails from Mabalacat City, Balti profusely thanked Governor Pineda and Mayor Garbo and dedicated the PGL’s win to the Kapampangans.
Balti attended Monday’s flag raising ceremonies, where he was welcomed by Garbo, who has been supporting the ball player back in his school days.
Baltazar led his team to the North Division crown, posting averages of 17.4 points, 16. 9 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.2 blocks.
The 6-foot-8 Balti, former star of the La Salle Green Archers who had an uneventful stint with the Hiroshima Dragonflies in the Japan B. League last year, also emerged No. 1 in field goal accuracy with 54.8 percent and minutes played with 31.1.
What distinguished Baltazar, however, is his propensity for double-double (points and rebounds) performances, making 22 in one stretch en route to a total of 31 in 33 games.
MPBL Founder and CEO Manny Pacquiao awarded the MVP ball to Baltazar.
